Downlod and watch a webinar about the Global Fellowship.
ELIGIBILITY
Do I have to be from a specific country to apply for the Global Fellowship?
EdVillage accepts applications from prospective school leaders from any country. Our first cohort of Global Fellows were from India and South Africa. We will continue to focus our work in India and South Africa in 2012 but also consider expanding into other countries to continue to make a difference in education around the world.
Do I have to have teaching experience to be a fellow?
Yes, EdVillage believes that great school leaders have a strong understanding of high-quality instruction and teaching experience informs this understanding. Applicants should be able to demonstrate success in the classroom, especially with low-income students.
Do I have to have school leadership experience to be a fellow?
No, the Global Fellowship Program will provide the training necessary for school leadership. Prior leadership experience can be valuable, but is not required.
What type of experience do successful candidates have?
Please see the bios for our first three Global Fellows. In summary, two were principals of existing schools for one-to-two years and the third was a teacher for two years.
Do I have to be a citizen of the country in which I plan to open my school?
If you are not a citizen of the country in which you plan to open a school, it is important that you can show a deep connection and commitment to that country and the local community. You must be able to attain the legal authorization necessary to work in that country.
Are there any language requirements for fellows?
Fellows must be fluent in English in order to take full advantage of the leadership training program which is only conducted in English. Much of the program is interactive and the conversations are very complex. A high level of fluency is required.
What level of education do you have to have to be a fellow?
Applicants must have graduated from a four-year university to be considered for the fellowship.
Do I need to have any certifications or licenses to be a fellow?
You do not need to have any certificates or licenses to apply but you must be eligible to attain any certification for opening up your school required by the local government.
Do I need a work visa for the United States to be a fellow?
You do not need a US work visa to apply but will need to attain one to be a fellow. Once selected as a fellow, EdVillage will sponsor your visa and support you in the application process.
What type of school am I allowed to open after completing the Global Fellowship?
The type of school the fellow can open will depend on the education regulations of the country and local community. Your school can be public, private/independent or semi-public, but it must serve students from low-income backgrounds for free or at an affordable level who do not have access to other quality educational opportunities.
Are there any requirements for my school?
Yes, your school must be of the highest academic quality. The school must have the belief that any child can succeed at the highest levels of society regardless of their background. It must not discriminate against any students. It can serve any grade levels and be of any size.
Can I apply to the fellowship with a partner?
Applications from co-leaders for a school are allowed but not encouraged. If applying as a partnership, each individual should fill out an application and clearly describe the partnership in the essay question.
APPLICATION
What is involved in each stage of the application process?
There are three steps in the Global Fellowship application process:
1) The Statement of Interest is the first stage of the application process and used to ensure that the applicant meets the minimum requirements and can clearly articulate his/her interest in the Global Fellowship. The Statement of Interest can be completed online and is due by February 29, 2012. These applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and applicants are encouraged to submit the Statement of Interest early for consideration for the Full Application. Applicants will proceed to subsequent application rounds by invitation only.
2) The Full Application is the second stage in the application process and consists of multiple essay questions that focus on the applicants vision for their school and their role in improving education in the country. Applicants will be asked to submit the names of three references on the Full Application. Prior experience suggests that approximately half of those completing the Full Application will be invited to the Finalist Interview.
3) The Finalist Interview is the last stage of the selection process. The interview process is used to determine the readiness of the applicant to master the competencies of a successful school leader. The interview process lasts approximately four hours. Prior experience suggests that approximately 10% of those interviewed will be selected as Global Fellows. Finalist Interviews will be conducted either in-person or by phone (Skype) depending on the applicants location. Finalist Interviews will occur in March and successful candidates will be invited to join the 2012 cohort of EdVillage Global Fellows in April.
Do I have to apply online?
Applicants are highly encouraged to complete the application via the online form. If this is not possible, EdVillage will accept applications via email, mail or fax. It is important to read the How To Apply instructions before completing the online form. You can download a Word version of the application questions here.
Do you require letters of recommendation and transcripts?
Letters of recommendation are not required but candidates must submit the names and contact information for personal and professional references on the Full Application. Transcripts may be required of candidates who are invited to the Finalist Interview.
Do you perform background checks on applicants?
Yes. We will perform background checks on all applicants that are interviewed.
How much does it cost to apply?
There is no fee to apply to the Global Fellowship.
Who selects the fellows?
A committee of international experts from the education field with backgrounds in leadership, entrepreneurship, instruction and school design selects EdVillage Global Fellows.
Who do I contact if I have more questions about applying?
For more information, you may send your questions to info_edvillage.org .
FELLOWSHIP
How many fellows will EdVillage select in 2012?
EdVillage will select up to six fellows for its 2012 Global Fellows cohort. In 2011, three Global Fellows were selected.
When does the fellowship begin?
The fellowship will begin on June 7, 2012. There will be a one-week Orientation in New York City followed by the five-week KIPP Summer Leadership Institute at New York University. Fellows will spend August through November in residency in high performing schools around the United States. In early-December, fellows will return to their home country to begin work on launching their new school.
What is the cost of the Global Fellows Program?
The cost of the Global Fellowship Program will be covered by EdVillage through our fundraising efforts. The ability for us to offer the Fellowship is dependent on our ability to secure funding for your country. Last year, we were able to identify donors for the Global Fellows from South Africa and India. These donors continue to show interest for 2012. For other countries, we will have to identify local donors with a local interest. Most donors are interested in funding fellows from their specific country. Your assistance in identifying prospective local donors will help the chances of securing funding.
The costs of the Global Fellows Program is approximately $45,000. This includes the tuition in the KIPP School Leadership Program. It also includes travel to and from the US and travel and lodging throughout the US for the entire duration of the Fellowship Program. Day to day living expenses (food, entertainment) are the responsibility of the Global Fellow. EdVillage provides fellows with a bank account and US mobile phone service.
Can my family come with me to the United States during my fellowship?
Fellows are not prohibited from bringing their family to the United States during the fellowship but are responsible for covering all travel and living expenses for family members. EdVillage is not able to support any travel or work permits for family members.
Family members should be aware that fellows have very little free time during their four months of school residency. Oftentimes, evenings and Saturdays are scheduled with events. There are many short trips throughout the United States and previous fellows have found it difficult to also schedule their spouses to join them on all of the trips.
Am I allowed to travel back to my home country during my fellowship?
While the fellowship is completely scheduled for the duration of the six month program, there may be an opportunity to return back to your home country for a short visit in October. Obviously, there are certain emergencies and work reasons why a fellow would have to return to their country at other times.
Does EdVillage plan on offering the leadership development program in other countries?
As the School Leadership program matures, EdVillage will consider adding regional leadership training centers in other countries.
How long do I have to open my school once I have completed the fellowship?
It is expected that your school will open within 12 months of completing the fellowship. Occasionally, unforeseen circumstances do not allow this to occur.
What on-going support does EdVillage give to fellows once they have completed the fellowship?
Once the fellow returns to his/her home country, EdVillage will provide technical support to the fellow to help launch his/her school. This support is not monetary. The technical support can range from advice to tools to on-the-ground support and may be focused on academic/instructional issues or operational/business issues.
Does EdVillage provide start-up funding for my school?
No, EdVillage does not provide any operating or capital funding for your school.
Where will I be during my residency?
The School Residencies will be determined during the Summer Institute based on self-identified and peer-identified needs. Previous locations have included New York City, Newark, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington DC, Baltimore, Nashville, North Carolina, Houston, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
